Experimental deep fishing in ICES Division VIb and Subarea XII

Data obtained during a Spanish experimental fishing survey, performed in deep waters of the North East Atlantic, on board a vessel of the commercial fishing fleet, from 3rd September to 17th November 1994, were analyzed. The survey was aimed at prospecting new fishing zones and possible new commercially viable species at depths of over 800 metres. The areas prospected were in international waters, between parallels 54º and 57ºN, in Subarea XII and ICES Division VIb. Nets were hauled at depths ranging between 873 and 1190 metres. The species with the largest CPUE's were Alepocephalus bairdii, with 178 k/f.h., Coryphaenoides rupestris, with 159k/f.h. and Centroscymnus coelolepis with 97 k/f.h. The other species presented CPUE's of below 35k/f.h. The CPUE values for the total catch increased with depth. In general terms, catch included larger sized individuals than those caught by the Spanish trawler fleet in shallower waters